You never know quite what might happen in Favela Chic, ostensibly a vivacious pseudo Brazilian bar. Generally there’s a friendly crowd bopping along to a mix of salsa and meringue, but next thing you know the DJ has seamlessly mixed into Springtime for Hitler, and one of the staff is goose stepping down the bar… Recently their midweek Swap-a-Rama Razzmatazz nights (where you exchange an item of clothing with a neighbour every time the klaxon sounds) have been causing a stir. Visually the place is a camp construction of graffitied driftwood with a spattering of large tropical plants; a latino take on the kitsch tack of Mahiki. Drinks wise its all caiparinhas, Sol and gulpable Argentine plonk. A word of warning though – make sure you get there before 10:30 – this place is popular.

91-93 Great Eastern Street, Old Street, EC2A 3HZ. Tel: 020 7613 5228. Web: www.favelachic.com

A bit like walking into one of those bars in Desperado, but a lot cleaner and with less chance of getting shot, which is nice. The menu is simple, roasted, spicy and meaty – think slow roast pork belly, jalapeno chillis and avocado salsa. Inside it is modern, light, and predominantly wood, with the restaurant on the ground floor and a large bar area downstairs. Graze the expansive list of tequilas and margaritas until you’re calling your mates “hombre” and your girlfriend is talking dirty to you in Spanish, then head to Favela Chic to finish the night off properly.

Price: £30pp. 51 Bethnal Green Rd, Shoreditch, E1 6LA. Tel: 020 7749 9670. Web: www.greenred.co.uk

A new concept from the makers of Milk & Honey, open membership for the next couple of months mean you can delude your date into thinking that you are as cool you always aspired to be. Ostensibly a down to earth New World wine bar decked out in smart retro purple, there are a number of nice touches: the wine list allows you to pick from a matrix of grape variety and price; a number of cocktails are provided in punch bowls for sharing and “fondues” keep winter concoctions warm all night. Likely to appeal equally to trendy City types and Shoreditch sophisticates. Call before you visit.

2a Tabernacle Street, EC2A 4LU. Tel: 07000 847876. Web: www.thstrm.com